Appetizers & Starters > Salads & Cold Starters > Grain & Legume Salads > Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing, this salad is both healthy and delicious. Enjoy this easy-to-make quinoa salad, that will be ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1/4 Red Onion
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Cooking the Quinoa

First, rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water. This removes any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the quinoa is cooking and cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh parsley and mint.

Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and mint. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving

Serve the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later. The flavors meld together even more as it sits. This salad is a perfect side dish or a light and refreshing lunch.

← Mediterranean Lentil Salad Spiced Barley Salad with Roasted Vegetables →

FAQ

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors meld together even more as it sits in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Customize it to your liking.
  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

    Yes, if you don't like feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or mozzarella.
  • Is this salad gluten-free?

    Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free. This salad is gluten-free as long as all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.